Working Wonders
How to Make the Impossible Happen

Presents ways to perceive seemingly insurmountable challenges as doable, using case studies, verified theory, and practical hints.

Ryszard Praszkier (Author)

9781108450720, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 August 2019

208 pages, 15 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.1 cm, 0.36 kg

'Ryszard Praszkier's latest book illuminates how each of us can build a better world and positively realize our possibilities. With compelling case studies of real-life entrepreneurs solving problems with systems thinking and sharing insights about our brains via neuroscience, this easy-to-read guide provides on-ramps to improving society and crafting long-lasting solutions.' R. Paul Herman, CEO and founder, HIP Investor Ratings and Portfolios, USA

The difference between what's possible and what's not is a construct of the human mind, a matter of perspective, and it's one that can be changed. Working Wonders explains the fundamentals that shape the mind: how it builds walls to protect itself and how a person can tear those walls down to tackle challenges that would have previously been discounted as unrealistic. This volume shares case studies featuring people making the impossible a reality and, in doing so, changing the world for the better. On a deeper level and yet still using non-technical language, the book identifies possible neurological and psychosocial mechanisms that limit the brain, and techniques that may open it up to exploring the seemingly unachievable. Praszkier also introduces the concept of 'possibilitivity', a personality trait that reflects the propensity to perceive insurmountable challenges as doable, and concludes by presenting a portfolio of 'Do It Yourself' techniques.

Introduction
Part I. Those Who Made the Impossible Happen: 1. 'The purpose of work is to feel good about life'
2. Bringing empathy to schools
3. 'Moving the world with one hand'
4. Those who made the impossible happen: drawing conclusions
Part II. Entrenching and Defending the Fortress: 5. Brain unmalleability
6. Keep it consistent
7. Majority influence
8. Connections that close the mind
9. Personal book on shared reality
Part III. Opening the Mind: Possibilitivity: 10. They did it!
11. Brain plasticity
12. Creativity opens closed doors
13. Complexity, inconsistent thinking and paradoxes
14. Minority influence
15. Networks that boost creativity
16. Sync your mind with others
17. Opening the mind: possibilitivity
Part IV. Do-It-Yourself Tips: 18. Precondition one: building a supportive ambience
19. Forest for the trees
20. The opening value of allegories, metaphors and paradoxes
21. Games and simulations
22. Joy and dancing: a royal way to opening the mind
23. A flexible body opens the mind
24. Imagination as a key to the impossible
25. Summary: training possibilitivity
Précis
Appendix: measuring possibilitivity.

Subject Areas: Popular psychology [VSP], Organizational theory & behaviour [KJU], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Psychology: emotions [JMQ], Occupational & industrial psychology [JMJ], Psychological theory & schools of thought [JMA]